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Media Briefing - January 29, 2013

Post-Cabinet Media Briefing by the First Minister’s Official Spokesperson – Tuesday 29 January 2013

The First Minister's Official Spokesperson (FMOS) welcomed journalists to the briefing and advised that Cabinet had met this morning, chaired by the Deputy First Minister as the First Minister was attending the Scottish Renewables Conference in Aberdeen. The FMOS highlighted that the First Minister had announced this morning a new Scottish Government target to cut carbon emissions for electricity generation by four-fifths by 2030, and that Highland & Islands Enterprise (HIE) had given a commitment to work with four Scottish ports to develop the offshore wind sector.

The FMOS advised that Minister for Youth Employment, Angela Constance updated Cabinet on the Skills Development Scotland report out today on modern apprenticeships. The survey shows the positives of the Modern Apprentices scheme. The FMOS said the First Minister will also highlight these findings later tonight when he delivers the inaugural Jimmy Reid memorial lecture.

The FMOS explained the top line of the survey shows 92 per cent of Modern Apprentices who complete their training are still in a job six months later.

The FMOS also advised journalists that the First Minister’s speech would be made available later this evening.

The FMOS said Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs, Fiona Hylsop, informed Cabinet of a 10 million pound funding commitment by the Scottish Government to enhance historic towns and city centres, that will be split between 12 council areas. The FMOS advised more information was available from Historic Scotland.

Asked why Stornoway was not included in the Offshore Wind Route Map announced today, the FMOS directed the journalist to HIE.

Asked why the First Minister was meeting with the Quebec Premier, Pauline Marois, the FMOS said Premier Marois had asked for a meeting with the First Minister while she was visiting Scotland, and that the First Minister was happy to do so.